Stabilizing shoe insert and methods of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a shoe insert sized and shaped to accommodate a user&#39;s foot and fit inside a standard shoe (e.g., a golf shoe). The insert is configured with a gradient with a first height on a lateral edge and a second (lesser) height on a medial edge. In this way, the insert does not lay flat on the inside of the user&#39;s shoe but provides a gradient that stabilizes the user&#39;s weight to the center of the foot. Advantageously, the inserts allow the golfer to automatically assume a proper stance and to properly shift the body weight during a swing. As a result, the insert keeps a golfer from swaying during a golf swing, thereby reducing the incidence of shanking the ball.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/173549, filed Apr. 12, 2021, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/324229, filed Mar. 28, 2022, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to an insert for use with shoes. More specifically, the shoe insert is designed to stabilize the weight of the wearer, such as during the swinging of a golf club.

BACKGROUND

In golf, one of the most important skills to master is proper body position when executing a golf swing. It has long been recognized that the lower body is the foundation to a powerful and consistent golf swing. When executing a back swing without proper foot support, the inside back foot will generally roll to the side and the body becomes misaligned. Further, weight transferring to the outside front foot during a downswing and follow-through results in lateral hip movement (“swaying” of the lower body). Swaying weakens a player's foundation, often causing an undesirable path of the ball, such as a hook or slice. There are several prior art training devices available to assist a player with proper weight distribution during a golf swing. For example, temporary attachable wedges can be applied the player's instep or outside foot edge to aid in performing a proper golf swing. However, applying the wedges before each swing can be time-consuming and inconvenient. In addition, the temporary wedges are often improperly positioned, and do not produce proper weight distribution through the heel and the sole of the foot. Further, conventional golf shoes can include wedged heels to provide a downward slope to the heel. However, such shoes cause the entire weight of the player to be transposed back through the heel region, which does not provide for an optimum golf swing. In addition, golf shoes with wedged heels are typically uncomfortable for normal walking. It would therefore be beneficial to provide a shoe insert that effectively stabilizes the player's weight during swinging a golf club.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a shoe insert comprising a top face and an opposed bottom face. The insert further includes a lateral edge defined by a first height, and a medial edge defined by a second height that is less than the first height, wherein the bottom face is about horizontal relative to a support surface. The top face is angled from the lateral edge to the medial edge.

In some embodiments, the first height is about 0.1-2 inches.

In some embodiments, the second height is about 0.01-2 inches.

In some embodiments, the second height is about 10-99 percent less than the first height.

In some embodiments, the angle is about 1-85 degrees.

In some embodiments, the angle is consistent across an entire length of the insert.

In some embodiments, the insert further comprises an internal bladder housing one or more fluids.

In some embodiments, the external surface of the insert comprises a port, valve, plug, aperture, or combinations thereof to add or remove fluid from the bladder.

In some embodiments, the first and second heights can be adjusted as desired by the user.

In some embodiments, the angle can be adjusted as desired by the user.

In some embodiments, the insert comprises aerogel material, Airloy™ material, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the insert comprises an additive selected from one or more odor treating agents, antibacterial agents, or antifungal agents.

In some embodiments, the insert comprises a plurality of internal layers.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a shoe comprising the disclosed insert.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of stabilizing a user's weight during a golf swing. The method comprises distributing the weight of a user towards a center portion of the user's feet with the disclosed insert, wherein the weight of the user is stabilized compared to when the insert is not configured within the user's shoes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a shoe insert in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. FIG. 1b is an isometric diagram illustrating an insert gradient in block form in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2a is a top plan view of a shoe insert in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2b is a bottom plan view of a shoe insert in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2c is a top plan view of a shoe insert in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of a shoe insert in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of a shoe insert positioned within a shoe in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3c is a cross-sectional view of a shoe insert in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a shoe insert with an internal bladder in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 4b and 4c are cross-sectional views of a shoe insert positioned within a shoe as the insert is raised and lowered in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 4d and 4e are cross-sectional views of a shoe insert positioned within a shoe as the insert angle is adjusted in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of a shoe insert comprising an arch support in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of a shoe insert comprising a single layer in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a shoe insert comprising multiple layers in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 7a and 7b are cross-sectional views of shoe inserts comprising an outer covering in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7c is a side plan view of an insert comprising an upper attachment in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 7d and 7e are top plan views of inserts comprising an upper attachment in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8a is a side plan view of a golf shoe comprising a shoe insert in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8b is a front plan view of a pair of inserts positioned within a pair of golf shoes in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a user's foot positioned within a pair of shoes comprising a shoe insert in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a front view of a user's foot positioned within a shoe comprising a shoe insert in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9c is a cross-sectional view illustrating a rear view of a user's foot positioned within a shoe comprising a shoe insert in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in some embodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments +/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the drawing figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawing figures.

The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a shoe insert sized and shaped to accommodate a user's foot and fit inside a standard shoe (e.g., a golf shoe). As shown in FIG. 1a , insert 5 is shaped essentially like the bottom interior of a shoe (and therefore adapted to receive a user's foot which has a generally similar shape when at rest). The insert extends from heel end 10 to toe end 15 and includes medial edge 20 on the arch side of the foot, connecting the toe end to the heel end. The insert further includes opposed lateral edge 25 connecting the toe end to the heel end. Insert 5 is configured with gradient 30 with a first height on lateral edge 25 and a second (lesser) height on the medial edge. In this way, the insert does not lay flat on the inside of the user's shoe but provides a gradient that stabilizes the user's weight to the center of the foot. Gradient 30 is shown well in the isometric diagram of FIG. 1 b, shown in block form for ease of illustration. Advantageously, the inserts allow the golfer to automatically assume a correct stance and to properly shift the body weight during a swing. As a result, inserts 5 keep a golfer from swaying during a golf swing, thereby reducing the incidence of shanking the ball.

FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate respective top and bottom views of one embodiment of shoe insert 5 comprising upper surface 35 and opposed lower surface 40. The insert further includes lateral edge 25 and opposed medial edge 20, as set forth above. As used herein, “medial edge” refers to the inside peripheral edge of the shoe, generally closest to the other shoe of the user, while “lateral edge” refers to the outside peripheral area of the shoe, generally furthest from the other shoe of the user. The insert also includes forefoot region 45 that correlates with the metatarsals and phalanges of the foot, arch area 50 along the medial side, heel area 50 just forward of heel end 10, and midfoot area 55 between the heel area and forefoot.

Insert 5 can have any of a wide variety of lengths and widths to accommodate a variety of users (e.g., tall individuals, men, women, children, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2c , the insert can have length 11 of about 4-20 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, or 20 inches. The term “length” refers to the longest distance from heel end 10 to toe end 15. Insert 5 can further include width 12 of about 2-8 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, or 8 inches). The term “width” refers to the longest dimension perpendicular to the insert length.

As set forth above, insert 5 is angled along the length of the insert from the lateral edge the medial edge. As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3a and 3b , insert 5 therefore includes first height 55 and second height 60. Specifically, the insert includes first height 55 on the lateral edge of the insert that gradually falls to second height 60 on the medial edge of the insert. The term “height” refers to dimension generally along a substantially vertical direction (e.g., thickness). In some embodiments, first height 55 can be about 0.1 to 2 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2 inches). In some embodiments, second height 60 can be about 0.01-1.9 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, or 1.9 inches). However, it should be appreciated that first and second heights 55, 60 are not limited and can be greater or less than the ranges given herein.

In some embodiments, the second height can be about 10-99 percent less than first height 55, such as at least about (or no more than about) 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 99 percent less. For example, if first height 55 is about 1 inch on lateral edge 25, the second height can be about 0.9 inches (10 percent less than the first height) to about 0.01 inches (99 percent less than the first height).

As shown in FIG. 3c , top face 35 of the insert can be angled across the width of the insert, from lateral edge 25 to medial edge 20. In some embodiments, angle 65 can be about 1-85 degrees relative to the horizontal. Thus, the top face of the insert can be sloped at an angle of at least about (or no more than about) 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees). In some embodiments, the gradient of the insert is consistent across the entire length of the insert as illustrated in FIG. 3c .

The amount of slope included with insert 5 permits the user to walk naturally while at the same time properly distributes the weight of the user during a golf swing.

In some embodiments, angle 65 and/or heights 55, 60 can be adjustable as desired by the user. For example, the user can increase or decrease the angle of slope and/or height of the insert depending on user preference, environmental conditions, and the like. Thus, the insert can include internal bladder 70 that extends fully or partially along the length of the insert, as illustrated in FIG. 4a . The term “bladder” broadly refers to any element capable of accepting the addition or removal of fluid from the interior thereof. The bladder can be filled with fluid, such any desired liquid, gas, or combinations thereof. Suitable gases can include (but are not limited to) one or more of ambient air, nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, etc. Suitable liquids can include (but are not limited to) water, saline, gel, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the contents of the bladder can be pressurized and/r include a mechanism for pressurizing the bladder. Optionally, heights 55, 60 of the insert can be increased or decreased by adding or removing, respectively, fluid from bladder 70 via housing 75. In operation, a fluid (such as ambient air) passes through the housing into the interior bladder. The housing can therefore include a port, valve, plug, aperture, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the housing can be a one-way or two-way valve. In some embodiments, the housing can be configured as a check valve that will open when the pressure within the insert interior is at or greater than a predetermined level.

The bladder can include an integral and/or external pump that allows the bladder to be pressurized and/or depressurized.

Bladder 70 can be formed from any material capable of expanding, such as (but not limited to) polymeric material, rubber, elastomeric material, and the like.

A variety of different inflation mechanisms can be utilized with housing 60. For example, the inflation mechanism can include a simple bulb that interacts with the housing to add or remove fluid from the insert bladder. Alternatively, a pump (e.g., a handheld pump) can be used to inflate the insert.

The housing can be disposed on any external surface of the insert to allow fluid to be selectively added or removed from the bladder when shoe 80 is worn by the user, as illustrated in FIGS. 4b and 4c . Particularly, first and second insert heights 55, 60 (and can be increased or decreased by adding or removing fluid from the bladder, as shown in FIGS. 4b and 4c ). In this way, height of the insert within shoe 80 (the height of user's toes 71) can be adjusted.

Further, the gradient of the insert can be adjusted as desired by the user. For example, FIGS. 4d and 4e illustrate one embodiment wherein bladder 70 can be inflated or deflated to change gradient 30, thereby increasing or decreasing angle 65 as desired by the user. In these embodiments, the bladder is positioned adjacent to lateral edge 25 of the insert. It should be appreciated that the insert can have any desired configuration and is not limited to those shown in the Figures.

Although depicted with a triangular or rectangular cross-section in the figures, bladder 70 can have any desired shape.

The insert bladder can house any desired volume of fluid. For example, the bladder can have an interior volume of about 40-200 cc (cubic centimeters). Thus, the internal volume of the bladder can be at least/no more than about 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200 cc. It should be appreciated that the volume of the bladder depends on the size of the insert (e.g., the size of the user's foot). It should further be appreciated that the bladder can have a volume greater or less than the range given herein.

In some embodiments, bladder 70 can be filled to about 100% with a desired fluid. In other embodiments, the bladder is less than fully filled. For example, bladder can be filled to about 40-100% capacity. Thus, the insert can be filled to a level of at least about (or no more than about) 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 99, or 100 percent. In some embodiments, the fluid within the insert interior can be pressurized between 0-350 kPa (e.g., at least/no more than about 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 295, 300, 305, 310, 315, 320, 325, 330, 335, 340, 345, or 350 kPa).

Optionally, the insert can include arch support 85 to support the user's foot arch area 50, as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the arch support is positioned under or adjacent to arch area 50. The arch support can have maximum height 90 of about 0.25-1 inch (e.g., at least/no more than about 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, or 1 inch).

Insert 5 can be constructed from any desired material or combination of materials. For example, in some embodiments, the materials can be selected to provide shock absorption, cushioning, and/or comfort to the user during use. Thus, the insert can be constructed from ethylene vinyl acetate foam, polyurethane, polyurethane foams, polypropylene, polypropylene foams, polyethylene, polyethylene foams, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride foams, synthetic rubber foams, silicone, silicone rubber, nylon, gel (e.g., nylon, polypropylene, urethane, or polymer gels), elastomeric materials (such as rubber, polybutadiene, and the like), thermoplastic materials (e.g., ionomer resin, bi-modal ionomer resin, polyamide resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin), thermoset materials, leather, wood, metal, synthetic composites, natural composites, and the like.

Optionally, insert 5 can comprise one or more aerogel materials. The term “aerogel” refers to a synthetic porous ultralight material derived from a gel in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with a gas. The term “aerogel” can further include any aerogel aggregate. The resultant material is a solid with extremely low density and low thermal conductivity. Suitable aerogel materials can include (but are not limited to) silica aerogel. Thus, the insert can include any compound (or gel or any substance) that stabilizes the temperature.

In some embodiments, insert 5 can comprise one or more Airloy® materials. Airloys® are ultralight super-insulating materials. Airloys® combine the strength of conventional polymeric materials with the low density and super-insulating characteristics of aerogels. Thus, Airloys® are strong, stiff, and tough and can be used as thermal and acoustic insulators. Airloys® are conventionally 3-10 times lighter when compared to conventional polymeric materials. In some embodiments, a suitable Airloy® has a density of about 0.01-0.9 g/L. Airloys® can be constructed from ceramics, polymers, carbon, metals, carbides, or combinations thereof. Airloys® are generally hydrophobic and thus are stable against moisture and humidity. Airloys® can be optimized for strength-to-weight ratios in excess of 20,000:1 and can vary from strong and rigid to soft and flexible. Airloys® can be electrically insulating with dielectric constants as low as 1.1 with surface areas of 200-800 m²g⁻¹-orders of magnitude higher than conventional materials. Airloys® can also be made electrically conducting with specific surface areas as high as 3000 m² g⁻¹.

In some embodiments, the materials used to construct insert 5 can include one or more odor treating agents. For example, the insert can include carbon to aid in the elimination of odors. In some embodiments, the insert can include one or more antibacterial and/or antifungal agents to reduce/eliminate bacterial and fungi. Suitable antibacterial agents are selected from (but not limited to) cephalosporins, quinolones, fluoroquinolones, penicillins, penicillins and beta lactamase inhibitors, carbepenems, monobactams, macrolides, lincosamines, glycopeptides, rifampin, oxazolidonones, tetracyclines, am inoglycosides, streptogram ins, sulfonamides, amphotericin B, candicidin, dermostatin, filipin, fungichromin, hachimycin, hamycin, lucensomycin, mepartricin, Natamycin, nystatin, pecilocin, perimycin, butenafine, naftifine, terbinafine, bifonazole, butoconazole, chlordantoin, chlormidazole, cloconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, enilconazole, fenticonazole, flutirmazole, isoconazole, ketoconazole, lanoconazole, miconazole, omoconazole, oxiconazole nitrate, sertaconazole, sulconazole, toconazole, tolciclate, tolindate, tolnaftate, fluconazole, Itraconazole, saperconazole, terconazole, azaserine, griseofulvin, oligomycins, neomycin undecylenate, pyrrolnitrin, siccanin, tubercidin, viridin, acrisorcin, amorolfine, biphenamine, bromosalicylchloranilide, buclosamide, calcium propionate, chlorophenesin, ciclopirox, cloxyquin, coparaffmate, diamthazole dihydrochloride, exalamide, flucytosine, halethazole, Hexetidine, loflucarban, nifuratel, potassium iodide, propionic acid, pyrihione, salicylanilide, sodium propionate, sulbentine, tenonitrozole, triacetin, ujothion, undecylenic acid, zinc propionate, and combinations thereof.

Depending on manufacturing criteria and the user's needs, insert 5 can be constructed with single layer 95 of material, as shown in FIG. 6a . Alternatively, the insert can include one or more layers, as illustrated in the cross-sectional image of FIG. 6b .

Particularly, the insert can include bottom layer 100, middle layer 101, and top layer 102. Thus, the insert can have about 2-10 layers (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). However, insert 10 is not limited and can include any desired number of layers. Each layer can have any desired thickness and/or purpose (e.g., strength, cushioning, support, and the like). In some embodiments, the layers can have a uniform thickness, while in other embodiments, at least one layer differs in thickness compared to at least one other layer.

In some embodiments, one of the outer or inner layers of insert 5 can be a comfort layer comprising one or more materials selected from padding, gel, foam, or any material that can be used to add comfort to the user while wearing the insert.

In some embodiments, the insert can include an external covering to add a layer of comfort and/or protection to the user's foot during use. The external covering can have a thickness of about 0.01-0.1 inches in some embodiments. Covering 105 can completely surround insert 5, as shown in FIG. 7a . Alternatively, the covering can be positioned adjacent to top face 35 (e.g., directly adjacent to the user's foot in use), as shown in FIG. 7b . Covering 105 can be configured as a fabric, mesh, foam, gel, or other layer that can aid in protection of the insert, odor control, sweat absorption, and the like. Optionally, the covering can include aerogel and/or Airloy® materials. The covering can be adhered to the insert, such as through sewing, adhesives, and the like.

In some embodiments, the insert can include attachment 110 that provides an added layer of protection. As shown in FIG. 7c , the attachment can be positioned adjacent to the insert to directly contact the bottom of a user's foot or sock when in use. The attachment can include any suitable material, such as (but not limited to) gel, cotton, foam, fabric, mesh, or any other comfortable material. The attachment can be formed as a part of the insert or can be attached using any known method (e.g., sewing, adhesive, VELCRO®, snaps, button, clips, magnets, fasteners, ties, etc.). The attachment can extend along the full length of the insert, as shown in FIG. 7d , or can be positioned adjacent only to medial edge 20 to provide comfort for the big toe and inside edge (instep) of the user's foot as illustrated in FIG. 7 e.

Optionally, the inserts can include one or more electrical (e.g., circuitry or electrical devices), mechanical, and/or chemical devices (e.g., liquid crystals used as heat sensitive temperature guides) configured to monitor performance of the user and provide feedback on use.

In some embodiments, the insert can include one or more springs of any conventional design to reduce weight, provide support, and/or improve performance characteristics of the insert.

Insert 5 can be constructed using any conventional method. By way of example, one or more materials can be vacuum formed, compression molded, hot-wire cut, water jet cut and/or die cut to form the insert. Post-processing methods can include skiving the insert into a desired thickness or applying additional layers of varying durometers. In some embodiments, the insert can be formed by thermoforming and/or vacuum-forming techniques. Thermoforming and vacuum-forming methods can include the steps of heating the material until uniformly malleable (with exact temperatures dependent on the thickness and size of the material), and then applying vacuum to form a desired insert.

In use, insert 5 is provided and placed within the user's shoe (e.g., a golf shoe), as shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b . The subject golf shoe insert can be used in lieu of or in addition to the existing insert in a shoe. Optionally, the insert can be cut to the shape and size of an individual's foot and then placed within the golf shoe prior to insertion. In other embodiments, the insert can be manufactured in a variety of sizes to accommodate any sized shoe or foot.

It has long been recognized that the ideal golf swing is a somewhat unnatural movement for the skeletal and muscular structure of human beings. Therefore, it is necessary for a golfer to train his muscles to move in exactly the right manner to obtain a proper swing that will cause the ball to be driven along a straight, intended path. A common problem is the tendency for the golfer's weight to shift to the toe areas during a swing as the weight shifts from the rear foot to the front foot. When a golfer departs from the proper swing, generally due to such improper shifts of weight, a hook, a slice, or other undesirable path of the ball will result.

To generate the optimum golf swing, the shifting of weight from the back foot to the front foot plays a key role. The actual dynamic motion of each foot during the golf swing is different when comparing the position and motion of the back foot with the position and motion of the front foot. Specifically, at club impact on the ball and follow through, the front foot during the weight shift should roll about its longitudinal axis and the body weight should be on the outside of the front foot at the end of the swing. In contrast, the back foot should remain firmly planted with the weight on the inside of the rear foot and during the initial part of the swing to allow the weight to transfer from the back foot to the front foot. Thus, the ideal golf swing requires somewhat unnatural movement of the skeletal and muscular structure in human beings. Often, a golfer must train his muscles to move in exactly the right manner to obtain a proper swing to cause the ball to be driven along a straight, intended path.

As discussed above, each insert 5 provides a tapered and angled top surface, which appropriately shifts the user's weight to the center of the foot. As a result, the user's stance is stabilized, such as during a golf swing. More specifically, the user's weight shifts from the outside of the foot inward as a result of the sloping top surface of the insert, as shown in FIGS. 9a -9 c. The tapering of the foot advantageously produces the optimum distribution of weight between the outer and inner portions of the foot. Further, the golfer's knees are forced slightly inward when they are bent as required by the proper stance. The user's feet are therefore firmly planted and in uniform contact with the ground. As the golf swing is performed, the weight will automatically shift from predominantly on the rear foot to predominantly on the front foot as is desired with no thought or effort on the part of the golfer. The modified inserts distribute the balance of the golfer's weight along the heel and the ball of the foot. During the swing, the inserts cause a rolling and pitching effect that keeps the weight off of the toes, ensuring an accurate drive. The automatic control of movement of the golfer's weight permits them to therefore concentrate on the aim of the ball and the address of the ball ensuring a straight drive.

Although the disclosed insert can be especially advantageous when used with golf shoes, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the insert can be used with any type of footwear.

Inserts 5 offer many advantages over prior art shoe inserts. For example, the inserts stabilize the user's weight to the center of the foot/body. As a result, the user's balance is improved.

When used during playing golf, inserts 5 have been shown to reducing sway while swinging, thereby reducing the incidence of shanking the golf ball. Further, the inserts can reduce the likelihood of missing shots because the user is balanced and his/her weight is equalized.

In some embodiments, the disclosed inserts can be used to train a user to adopt the proper golf stance.

Inserts 5 are universal and can be easily inserted into any of a wide variety of shoes. For example, they can be used with athletic shoes, golf shoes, sandals, boots, and the like.

Further, the disclosed inserts are comfortable to the user, such that they can be worn all day long if desired. Accordingly, the user is more likely to continue wearing the inserts.

In some embodiments, the materials used to construct the inserts can function to keep the user's feet at a comfortable temperature, as discussed above with relation to the aerogel and/or Airloy® materials. For example, during hot weather, the inserts can help keep the user's feet cool, while in cold weather, the inserts can help the user's feet stay warm.

The disclosed insert can be used to maintain a golfer's support foot in a neutral position during a golf swing. In some embodiments, the insert provides arch support and counterforce to balance the golfer's stance and prevent ankle roll.

Advantageously, the inserts are also adjustable, allowing a user to easily insert or remove air to adjust the height and/or angle of the insert.

Inserts 5 are relatively lightweight, yet possess sufficient strength and rigidity to be durable and withstand abuse.

The presently disclosed subject matter is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe insert comprising: a top face and an opposed bottom face; a lateral edge defined by a first height; a medial edge defined by a second height that is less than the first height; wherein the bottom face is about horizontal relative to a support surface; and wherein the top face is angled from the lateral edge to the medial edge.
 2. The insert of claim 1, wherein the first height is about 0.1-2 inches.
 3. The insert of claim 1, wherein the second height is about 0.01-2 inches.
 4. The insert of claim 1, wherein the second height is about 10-99 percent less than the first height.
 5. The insert of claim 1, wherein the angle is about 1-85 degrees.
 6. The insert of claim 1, wherein the angle is consistent across an entire length of the insert.
 7. The insert of claim 1, further comprising an internal bladder housing one or more fluids.
 8. The insert of claim 7, wherein the external surface of the insert comprises a port, valve, plug, aperture, or combinations thereof to add or remove fluid from the bladder.
 9. The insert of claim 1, wherein first and second heights can be adjusted as desired by the user.
 10. The insert of claim 1, wherein the angle can be adjusted as desired by the user.
 11. The insert of claim 1, constructed from aerogel material, Airloy™ material, or combinations thereof.
 12. The insert of claim 1, comprising an additive selected from one or more odor treating agents, antibacterial agents, or antifungal agents.
 13. The insert of claim 1, comprising a plurality of internal layers.
 14. A shoe comprising the insert of claim
 1. 15. A method of stabilizing a user's weight during a golf swing, the method comprising: distributing the weight of a user towards a center portion of the user's feet with the insert of claim 1, wherein the weight of the user is stabilized compared to when the insert is not configured within the user's shoes.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second height is about 10-99 percent less than the first height.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the angle is about 1-85 degrees.
 18. The method of claim 15, constructed from aerogel material, Airloy™ material, or combinations thereof.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein first and second heights can be adjusted as desired by the user.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the angle can be adjusted as desired by the user. 